How to Draw a Fish - From Simple to Realistic

Fish are fascinating subjects for artists, offering endless variety in shapes, patterns, and colors. From simple cartoon fish to detailed realistic drawings, mastering fish anatomy opens up a whole underwater world of artistic possibilities.

Materials You'll Need

• Pencils in various hardnesses (HB, 2B, 4B)
• Quality drawing paper
• Eraser for corrections
• Blending stump for smooth shading
• Reference images of different fish species

Basic Fish Anatomy

Before diving in, let's understand the key components every fish drawing needs:

• Body: Usually oval or torpedo-shaped
• Head: Includes eyes and mouth
• Fins: Dorsal (top), pelvic (bottom), pectoral (sides), anal (bottom rear), caudal (tail)
• Gills: Breathing apparatus behind the head
• Scales: Overlapping protective covering
• Lateral line: Sensory organ running along the side

Method 1: Simple Cartoon Fish

Step 1: Draw the Body

Start with a horizontal oval. This forms the main body of your fish. Make it slightly pointed at one end for the mouth area.

Step 2: Add the Tail Fin

At the opposite end from the mouth, draw a triangle or fan shape for the tail fin (caudal fin). Make it about one-third the length of the body.

Step 3: Draw Other Fins

• Dorsal fin: Triangle on top
• Pectoral fin: Small triangle on the side
• Pelvic fin: Small triangle on the bottom

Step 4: Add Facial Features

• Draw a large circle for the eye
• Add a curved line for the mouth
• Include a curved line behind the eye for the gill

Step 5: Final Details

• Add a smaller circle inside the eye for the pupil
• Draw simple lines on the fins
• Optional: Add bubbles around the fish

Method 2: Realistic Fish Drawing

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shape

Begin with an elongated oval, slightly flattened on the bottom. Add a center line to help with symmetry.

Step 2: Define the Head

• Mark where the head ends (usually 1/4 of the body length)
• Sketch the eye placement
• Draw the mouth opening
• Add the gill cover (operculum)

Step 3: Position All Fins

Map out where each fin attaches to the body:

• Dorsal fin on the back
• Anal fin on the belly
• Paired pectoral fins behind gills
• Paired pelvic fins on the belly
• Caudal fin at the tail

Step 4: Refine Fin Shapes

Each fin has a specific structure:

• Draw fin rays (thin lines) radiating from the base
• Connect rays with thin membrane
• Some fins are pointed, others rounded
• The tail fin often has a forked shape

Step 5: Add Scale Pattern

Scales overlap like roof tiles:

• Start from the head and work backward
• Draw crescents or semicircles in rows
• Make scales smaller near the head and fins
• Larger scales along the body's middle

Step 6: Create Texture and Shading

• Shade the underside darker
• Add highlights along the top
• Create depth with gradual shading
• Show scale texture with light pencil marks

Drawing Different Fish Species

Tropical Fish (Angelfish)

• Tall, triangular body shape
• Long, flowing fins
• Vertical stripes pattern
• Large, prominent eyes

Goldfish

• Round, chubby body
• Double tail fin
• Bulging eyes
• Flowing, delicate fins

Shark

• Streamlined, torpedo body
• Triangular dorsal fin
• Pointed snout
• Visible teeth in open mouth
• Rough skin texture instead of scales

Betta Fish

• Compact body
• Extremely elaborate fins
• Flowing, veil-like tail
• Vibrant color patterns

Adding Realistic Details

Eyes

1. Draw the outer circle
2. Add the iris (usually dark)
3. Include a small highlight
4. Show the eye socket depression
5. Add tiny blood vessels for ultra-realism

Scales

1. Start with light guidelines
2. Draw overlapping crescents
3. Vary sizes naturally
4. Add subtle shading to each scale
5. Include occasional damaged or missing scales

Fins

1. Draw the supporting rays first
2. Connect with membrane
3. Show transparency with light lines
4. Add tears or damage for character
5. Include delicate edges

Creating Underwater Scenes

Water Effects

• Draw horizontal wavy lines for water surface
• Add light rays filtering down
• Include bubbles of various sizes
• Show water movement with curved lines

Environment Elements

• Aquatic plants and seaweed
• Rocks and coral
• Sandy or rocky bottom
• Other fish in background
• Underwater debris

Shading Techniques for Fish

Light from Above

Most underwater light comes from above:

• Lightest values on top
• Gradual transition to darker belly
• Cast shadows below fins
• Reflected light on underside

Metallic Sheen

Many fish have reflective scales:

• Use sharp contrast between light and dark
• Add bright highlights
• Show color shifts
• Create iridescent effects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Static positioning - Add slight curves for movement
2. Forgotten fins - Remember all fin types
3. Uniform scales - Vary size and pattern
4. Flat appearance - Use shading for dimension
5. Incorrect proportions - Study real fish anatomy

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fish Shapes

Draw 10 different fish body shapes in 5 minutes

Exercise 2: Scale Patterns

Practice different scale arrangements and sizes

Exercise 3: Fin Variations

Draw the same fish with different fin positions

Exercise 4: School of Fish

Draw multiple fish from different angles

Color Techniques (Optional)

Layering Colors

1. Start with light base colors
2. Build up darker shades
3. Add patterns and markings
4. Include highlights last

Creating Iridescence

• Layer complementary colors
• Use metallic pencils if available
• Add white highlights
• Blend colors smoothly

Tips for Success

• Study real fish - Visit aquariums or watch videos
• Understand movement - Fish rarely stay perfectly straight
• Practice scales - They're key to realism
• Vary your subjects - Try different species
• Consider the environment - Context adds interest

Conclusion

Drawing fish combines understanding of form, texture, and movement. Whether you prefer simple cartoon styles or photorealistic renderings, mastering these techniques will help you create compelling underwater artwork. Remember that every fish species is unique - embrace these differences to bring variety and authenticity to your drawings.

With practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for fish anatomy and movement, allowing you to create dynamic underwater scenes that capture the beauty and grace of aquatic life. Keep exploring different species and techniques to expand your artistic repertoire!